" 96 points Pierre Rovani writing for the Wine Advocate: "When the medium-to-dark ruby-colored 1998 Clos de la Roche drops its seductive baby fat, the verdict on its future will be determined. It has huge quantities of sweet cherry, blackberry, and violet-infused blueberries, a huge velvety-textured character, and a full body. However, it is astonishingly tannic and firm. While this wine may have the requisite power and depth to sustain significant cellaring, will it outlast its rugged tannins?" (10/2000) 94-97 points Stephen Tanzer: "Deep full ruby. Knockout nose combines briary red and black berries, mocha, minerals and oak. Powerfully structured but not at all austere, especially in the context of the vintage, due to its extraordinary silkiness and sweetness of fruit. Powerful but ripe acids extend the fruit on the aftertaste, while strong but suave tannins saturate the palate. Has all the elements for greatness. But then, this wine has been superb from the beginning, notes Bize-Leroy." (Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 00)"